My car is 1500 miles into the second clean cycle. I replace the oil filter this morning but the new oil filter is malfunctional and loose. The oil split out from the edige of oil filter and the car lost ALL the oil and Auto-Rx in the crankcase. I install another oil filter and fill out the engine with new oil. My question is, should I add another 8 oz. of auto-rx to continue the second clean cycle? Or I just proceed with the 2nd rinse cycle?
-- Edited by Snowbird203 on Thursday 21st of May 2009 09:45:28 AM
So, you think 1500 miles on Auto-Rx clean phase is long enough? If memory serve me right, the auto-rx clean and rinse cycle was shorter before. Am I right?
You lost a lot of oil and Auto-Rx if it is not an economic hardship i would put in another bottle and continue on with the application. If this is not the case run the rinse mileage to 4000 miles. Give what Auto-Rx that is in the engine more time to work and drain.
I think at this point your best bet is to consider this the "2nd rinse phase". You are correct, 1500 miles was once the standard "clean phase". That period was increased as it became apparent, after years of evaluation, there was a benefit to keeping ARX in with the oil longer.
I would guess that the reason you had a problem with your oil filter is that the old filter gasket stuck to the mounting surface when you removed it. When you installed the new filter you ended up with two gaskets which kept the stud from securing itself to all of the filters threads. A little bit of engine vibration / heat and the filter worked itself loose.
How bad it is for the engine to run WITHOUT any oil. The engine literly lost all the oil druing this accident. After I replace the oil filter, I drove the car for a block and notice the oil light came on. I immediate return to the garage where I borrow the oil filter tool from for the filter replacement. Then I have them install their oil filter (fram, not a good one) and their cheap motor oil into the car. This is about 200 yards of driving distance. While the machanic fills out the crankcase with their motor oil, I found that it takes all 4 quarts of motor oil into the crankcase for the oil stick to reach its full mark which is all it takes (about 3.8 quarts in my car's user manual).
And you know what, the oil is all over the place in the garage's parking lot.....that is so embrassing.
And I am a little bit worry about my car's engine now since it has been driving w/o any oil for a couple of blocks.
If the car is running you are fine, its not like you drove the car 30 miles without oil, if you had damaged the engine it would not be running. If the engine is not making any funny noises then you are fine.
Thanks for the reply. So, what do you suggest at this moment? Sould I proceed with rinse cycle or should I put another 8 oz of Auto-Rx into the engine to start over another clean cycle. (I still have 8 oz. of Auto-Rx left over..)
right now I have 2 votes to proceed with rinse cycle, and one vote for clean cycle.
Hmm... You've got a brand new clean sump. I'd be tempted to throw another 8oz in and, more or less, reset the clock. You can just as easily wait another 3k miles too.